Southern University

Athletics 1/2/2025 4:30:00 PM Southern University Athletics Sports Information Department

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MOURNS THE LOSS OF LEGENDARY ATHLETIC TRAINER CARL “DOC” WILLIAMS

Athletics 1/2/2025 4:30:00 PM Southern University Athletics Sports Information Department

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MOURNS THE LOSS OF LEGENDARY ATHLETIC TRAINER CARL “DOC” WILLIAMS

BATON ROUGE, La. | Carl "Doc" Williams, one of the most legendary athletic trainers on the college level, has passed away at 87.

Williams, who served as Head Athletic Trainer at Southern University for more than four decades, died peacefully at his home on New Year's Day, surrounded by his family. Funeral arrangements are pending.

A native of Houston, Texas, Williams arrived on the campus of Southern University as a youthful 25-year-old in 1963. Over the next 43 years, he worked with numerous coaches and student-athletes while establishing himself as one of the icons of athletic training. His career saw him work with 7 athletics directors, 11 head football coaches, and numerous coaches in Jaguar sports.

In addition to his long tenure at Southern, Williams was a mainstay at the Dallas Cowboys summer training camp for many years. He was named an Honorary Dallas Cowboy.

As a member of several national trainers' associations, Williams' impact on athletic training was evident by his many national honors. In May 2024, he was honored by the SWAC Alumni Association with its Roscoe Nance Lifetime Achievement Award. Williams received the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) President's Award and the NATA Professional Service Award in 2014. He was inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. In 1988, "Doc" received the SWAC Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Williams is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Williams, as well as one daughter, Karla Williams Smith, and one son, Carl Williams III. They all reside in Baton Rouge. He was predeceased by his son, Kelvin Williams.

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